STOCK RISING — Keelon Webber, a 6-foot, 205-pound speedy rusher was a pivotal force for an Arlington High team that finished 11-4 last year, ran the table in District 14-AAA play, and manufactured an impressive postseason display before falling in the Tennessee Class 6A quarterfinals to perennial power Whitehaven. (Photos submitted by C. Webber)

Listening to Carsett Franklin Webber weigh in on the athletic heroics of her son, Keelon Webber, and it would be rather easy to tell she’s an avid football mom.

One who, without question, knows exactly what she’s talking about.

Take, for instance, earlier this week when she was asked what she deems mostly intriguing about his son’s progress as the featured running back for Arlington High.

As usual, Carsett Webber was forthright and direct.

“He has passion for the game and he is very respectful and coachable,” Carsett Webber told MemphiSport. “Over the years, he has evolved into a beast of a football player.”

Indeed he has, a trend about which Keelon Webber hopes college scouts will take into account as he readies for what figures to be a productive senior campaign in the coming weeks.

To his credit, a 6-foot, 205-pound speedy rusher was a pivotal force for an Arlington team that finished 11-4 last year, ran the table in District 14-AAA play, and manufactured an impressive postseason display before falling in the Tennessee Class 6A quarterfinals to perennial power Whitehaven.

According to a season-ending poll released by Maxpreps, the Tigers finished 52nd overall in the state.

And, because the nucleus of Arlington’s starters will return in 2015, surely, Keelon Webber and Co. will be expected to make yet another brilliant run at that elusive state crown.

The Tigers open the season August 21 when they play host to Kirby.

GOOD AS ADVERTISED — Fortunately for Keelon Webber, the assertiveness and poise he exhibited under the Friday night lights gave way to his being nothing short of impressive.For starters, this bruiser, rugged back was a catalyst for an Arlington potent rushing attack that emerged as one of Shelby Metro’s finest last season, a unit that compiled nearly 200 yards rushing per game.

“I had a great junior season,” Keelon Webber said. “I showed I am a versatile playmaker. I continued to get better and better every week. Every game, I worked harder.”

Fortunately for Keelon Webber, the assertiveness and poise he exhibited under the Friday night lights gave way to his being nothing short of impressive.

For starters, this bruiser, rugged back was a catalyst for an Arlington potent rushing attack that emerged as one of Shelby Metro’s finest last season, a unit that compiled nearly 200 yards rushing per game.

Having appeared in a prep career-best 13 games as a junior, Keelon Webber had 1,270 all-purpose yards, including 1,104 yards on 204 carries and 16 rushing touchdowns. In addition, he registered 166 receiving yards while making 17 catches and one score as he complemented the play of then-senior Joe Stevenson.

Add to the fact that he led Arlington with 100-plus yards per outing, and it’s no wonder Keelon Webber is destined to generate interests from colleges this upcoming season.

As he tells it, that’s certainly one of his short-term — yet monumental — goals as he and the Tigers look ahead to training camp in the coming days.

In addition, the summer months were indeed all business for a talented kid who boasts lofty aspirations of playing at the collegiate level. Keelon Webber made valiant attempts to establish a favorable athletic resume after attending such camps as the Rivals Combine, AEA Combine, as well as camps hosted by the University of Memphis and Tennessee State.

While he has yet to generate real interest from any schools, many figure that undoubtedly will change early and often this upcoming season.

Carsett Franklin Webber

“I am a hard worker. I give my all to my team,” said Keelon Webber when asked what direct message he’d like to send to college scouts. “I’m a leader, a motivator to my teammates. I am coachable. I can easily pick up new skills and plays. I am not a quitter.”

Surely, no one can vouch for that more than his mother who, on Friday, was seen witnessing her son’s continuous progress during the team’s scrimmage.

“In middle school, he had a natural talent for football,” said Carsett Webber, whose son has been playing competitive football since the age of six. “I’m always praying for an injury free game. Playing football will help him get a college scholarship to the college of his choice.”

Spoken like an avid football mom.

One who, without question, knows exactly what she’s talking about.

EDITOR’S NOTE:If you have a child or team that is seeking exposure and would like an in-depth sports news story, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him for details under “Andre T. Johnson.”

Andre Johnson is a senior writer for MemphiSport. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send an email to andre@memphisport.net. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

EDITOR’S NOTE:Sandra Jackson is quite knowledgeable about the intense basketball and football rivalries between Melrose and Hamilton High Schools. Good for her. Not only was Jackson a fixture on Hamilton’s majorette squad during her freshman year until her graduation from the school in 1973 but, according to the native Memphian and First Lady of West Irving Church of God In Christ, she is what she describes as a “three generation” product of the historic institution in the heart of South Memphis.

To her credit, the former Sandra Denise Griffin garnered local headlines after her unprecedented win as Miss Black Memphis, an unlikely milestone that transpired roughly 10 months after Memphis State was drubbed, 87-66, by Bill Walton and mighty UCLA in the NCAA Men’s Basketball championship game. A freshman at MSU (now the University of Memphis) at the time, Jackson, a mother of three and grandmother of two who celebrated her 60th birthday on Monday, spoke exclusively with MemphiSport senior writer Andre Johnson during a Q & A segment, recalling the events surrounding her win in a beauty pageant she figured she had no business entering. Boy, was she wrong for all the right reasons.

THERE SHE IS — During her freshman year at Memphis State University in December 1973, Memphis Hamilton High graduate Sandra Denise Griffin (now Sandra Jackson) was named Miss Black Memphis. (Photos submitted by A. Jackson)

ANDRE: You described your winning Miss Black Memphis as a fluke? Why is that?SANDRA: I didn’t know anything about the pageant. My mother had done business with Term City (Furniture), and they had girls who entered, but needed sponsors. The owner (Term City’s Paul Holmes) said he wanted to pick a sponsor, so he sent the pageant (organizer) to my house.ANDRE: Did you actually welcome this idea, although you knew nothing about this pageant?SANDRA: Well, I didn’t want to do it…straight up.ANDRE: Straight up (giggling)?SANDRA: (Holmes) said to me, “If you don’t want to do it, I’m not going to sponsor it.” So I kind of thought about it.ANDRE: And the rest, as they say, is history. You didn’t just enter this thing. You actually took to the stage, kicked the door down, and won it. What was your reaction?

UNLIKELY WIN — To her credit, the former Sandra Denise Griffin garnered local headlines after her unprecedented win as Miss Black Memphis, an unlikely milestone that transpired roughly 10 months after Memphis State was drubbed 87-66, by Bill Walton and mighty UCLA in the NCAA Men’s Basketball championship game.

SANDRA: I was in shock. I had convinced myself that I had no chance of winning.ANDRE: So obviously, this was a worthy investment for the owner, you think?SANDRA: He was excited. I did commercials for the store.ANDRE: Now, you’ve expressed to me that this isn’t something you talk much about. Still, whenever you speak about your winning the pageant with people, what becomes the most frequently asked questions?SANDRA: Well, usually, the first question they ask me is, “What did you do for your talent?”ANDRE: In your opinion, would you say that your winning Miss Black Memphis is still a notable part of Memphis history four decades later?SANDRA: After seeing the pictures that are still in The Commercial Appeal (newspaper), archives, I think it is.ANDRE: In the wake of your unlikely first-place finish in the Miss Black Memphis pageant, what did that achievement do for you, particularly from a confidence standpoint?

Currently, the First Lady of West Irving Church of God In Christ in Irving, Texas, Jackson was a fixture on Hamilton’s majorette squad from her freshman year until her graduation from the school in 1973.

SANDRA: Well, I forewent the Miss Black Tennessee pageant, but placed third runner-up for Miss Black America. It was an amazing experience for me. It kind of propelled me into the world. I had to go to a lot of affairs and engagements that I probably wouldn’t have been afforded to go.ANDRE: Are you a sports fan?SANDRA: Not really.ANDRE: Not even a Cowboys fan?SANDRA: I will support the Cowboys. But as far as that being my favorite team, I wouldn’t say that.ANDRE: Oh wow. So it seems that even after 36 years of marriage to a devoted Cowboys fans, it seems that perhaps we’ve got a little house divided situation brewing in the Jackson household (chuckling)?SANDRA: Well, I like the Miami Dolphins.ANDRE: How did that come about? Were you a fan of (Hall of Fame quarterback) Dan Marino?SANDRA: You know, I’m a girly girl. So I think it’s because of the water.ANDRE: Well, dolphins are found in water, without question. Fair enough.SANDRA: But I’ll attend a (Cowboys) game with him (Andrew Jackson, Jr.).ANDRE: The Dolphins had a nice ending to last season and a somewhat decent offseason, considering they signed a number of key free agents. That said, would you predict them to reach the Super Bowl?SANDRA: Well, I won’t predict them to go. I have to see something first.ANDRE: Clearly, you have the edge over your husband when it comes to talking to the media.SANDRA’S HUSBAND: She ought to. That was the field she was in for a while…radio and TV. I told her she should have stayed in it.

Andre Johnson is a senior writer for MemphiSport. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send an email to andre@memphisport.net. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

In the case of James Herndon, given his continuous success as a rising entrepreneur, it’s safe to assume that, well, son, too, knows best.

A 1995 graduate of Memphis Trezevant High, Herndon is the founder of Yachts & Treasures Clothing Company, an up-and-coming clothing line created to give consumers comfort and quality, yet stylish. Yachts & Treasures (or YT, as a majority of Herndon customers call it) is a rather unique brand Herndon acknowledges that represents integrity, particularly amongst those who are not afraid to “have big dreams and try to pursue them.”

A business that is starting to have a viable presence throughout the Mid-South and Southern regions, Yachts & Treasures were birth, in large part over a brief exchange between Herndon and his mother, Gwendolyn Herndon.

NIFTY PRODUCT — A 1995 graduate of Memphis Trezevant High, James Herndon is the founder of Yachts & TreasuresYachts & Treasures, an up-and-coming clothing line created to give consumers comfort and quality, yet stylish. Yachts & Treasures (or YT, as a majority of Herndon customers call it) is a rather unique brand Herndon acknowledges that represents integrity, particularly amongst those who are not afraid to “have big dreams and try to pursue them.” (Photos submitted by J. Herndon)

“In the beginning when I told my mom I was starting a clothing line, she laughed and asked, ‘Who do you think will buy a shirt from you?’ James Herndon explained during a recent interview with MemphiSport. “At that moment, a drive fueled in me in the form of self-determination. I was determined to launch my clothing line. Presently speaking, my mom is one of my greatest supporters.”

MOTHERLY LOVE — A business that is starting to have a viable presence throughout the Mid-South and Southern regions, Yachts & Treasures were birth, in large part over a brief exchange between Herndon and his mother, Gwendolyn Herndon.

Aside from his mother proving to be one of his grandest supporters, James Herndon’s venture also has garnered tireless his support by his wife, Sabrina, and their five children (James, Jacobs, Joshua, Markayla, and Brean).

Having attended Grandview Heights Elementary during his childhood days of growing up in North Memphis, James Herndon attended Trezevant High, where he starred in basketball through his senior year.

Assuming mostly the point guard position, James Herndon said the competitive drive through sports essentially played an integral role in his launching a business, one about which many Mid-Southerners are starting to embrace.

“From the competitive stance in sports perspective, it taught me that you have to work hard,” James Herndon said. “You can’t be afraid to take the shot. You have to be willing to pass the ball. In the clothing industry, that means to come up with new ideas. In addition, as it is said, ‘There is no “I” in team.’ That remains true in the fashion world. You have to network, not only with consumers, but with other designers.”

Generally, Herndon said his fashion line caters mainly to teenagers and young adults, although his products are also available to individuals of all ages and various walks of life.

James Herndon said arguably the most intriguing attribute about his up-and-coming business is witnessing consumers walk around town sporting his brand, a trend he says gives ways to what he describes as an “awesome and humbling feeling.”

Generally, he said his fashion line caters mainly to teenagers and young adults, although his products are also available to individuals of all ages and various walks of life.

When asked where do he see his business in the next couple of years, James Herndon said amongst his primary objectives is to ultimately run his own flag-ship store.

By and large, his desire to launch his clothing was inspired largely by renowned entrepreneurs JayZ (RocaWear), P.Diddy (SeanJohn), and Damon Johnson (Fubu), among others.

“It is imperative to inspire others,” said James Herndon, “because I was inspired by someone and I would want to inspire someone as well. My biggest supporters have been my family and friends.”

Especially his mother.

Which, of course, means that mom knows best.

Then again, so does her son.

EDITOR’S NOTE:If you are an entrepreneur, author, musician, model, athlete, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is a senior writer for MemphiSport. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send an email to andre@memphisport.net. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

]]>http://memphisport.com/2015/07/memphis-entrepreneur-james-herndon-making-much-noise-through-his-clothing-line/feed/0Avid Cowboys fan with Memphis ties says wife ‘is the best thing to ever happen to me’http://memphisport.com/2015/07/avid-cowboys-fan-with-memphis-ties-says-wife-is-the-best-thing-to-ever-happen-to-me/
http://memphisport.com/2015/07/avid-cowboys-fan-with-memphis-ties-says-wife-is-the-best-thing-to-ever-happen-to-me/#commentsMon, 27 Jul 2015 19:46:14 +0000http://memphisport.com/?p=32977EDITOR’S NOTE:Memphis renowned Pastor Andrew Jackson, Sr. boarded a direct, same-day, round trip flight from Memphis to Dallas over the weekend. Surely, it was a cameo Texas appearance worth making. The father of longtime Dallas-area pastor Andrew Jackson, Jr., Andrew Jackson, Sr., by all accounts, deemed it necessary to make a quick trip to and from Dallas, in large part because, well, let’s just say he was destined to demonstrate live and in person some love and adoration to his beloved daughter-in-law, Sandra Jackson who, on Monday, was met by a rather festive, jubilant, much-anticipated milestone. The former Sandra Denise Griffin, Sandra Jackson celebrated her 60th birthday — a memorable, historic occasion that essentially was jumpstarted courtesy of an array of emotionally-driven, tear-jerking tributes Sunday at West Irving Church Of God In Christ (4011 Conflans Road in Irving, Texas), where her husband has pastored since October 1998. An avid Dallas Cowboys fan and Dallas Mavericks season ticket holder, Andrew Jackson, Jr. has been afforded the opportunities to meet and interact with a slew of star studded athletes since relocating to the Dallas area in the 1980s. Everyone from Roger Staubach, to Deion Sanders, Michael Irving, Dirk Nowitzki, Mark Cuban, the list goes on and on. Without question, no one has managed to grasp — and retain — his attention and enliven his countenance like Sandra, his devoted wife of 36 years.That said, enough of my constant blabbing. In lieu of Sandra’s signature birthday, I graciously step aside and relinquish this global platform to the man who undoubtedly knows her better than anybody. Enter, Andrew Jackson, Jr.

ANDREW JACKSON JR.’S SALUTE TO HIS WIFE

BEDFORD, Texas — Sixty years ago, God in His awesome wisdom, delivered to earth a very special package in the person of Sandra Denise Griffin — through her parents, Seldon, and the late Queenie Griffin. Sandra, a gifted child, grew to be a beautiful woman of God and later married me. in 1978. Today, I pause to wish her a Happy Birthday…to tell her how much I love her. She is an awesome wife, loving mother of three — Anson, Griffin and Leigh. She’s a wonderful mother-in-love to Grace and super grandmother to Annalise and Drew. Sandra is the epitome of a pastor’s wife and, besides Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, she is the best thing to ever happen to me. Happy Birthday Sandra!

EDITOR’S NOTE:If you would like to pay homage to your mom, grandmother, wife, girlfriend, friend, loved one, etc., with a unique celebratory tribute that will be designed like this one, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is a senior writer for MemphiSport. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send an email to andre@memphisport.net. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

Now it is official. After years of spirited conversation, debate, and full fledged arguments we know which team runs Hoop City. Memphis was “Tiger Town” for so long that most doubted that this day would ever happen. The Memphis Grizzlies are now the favorite team in Memphis, politely knocking the Tigers basketball program from the tops of the ranks. What is more impressive is that Justin Fuente and the University of Memphis football team (fresh off of an American Athletic Conference Championship) leapfrogged Tigers basketball also.

Memphis Grizzlies, First Place: 68%University of Memphis Football, Second Place:13.4%University of Memphis Basketball, Third Place: 11.2%

After one of the best seasons in Memphis Grizzlies franchise history Coach Dave Joerger takes home the crown of Favorite Coach.He narrowly knocked off Justin Fuente, who provided the city of Memphis with the best football season in recent memory (possibly ever).

]]>http://memphisport.com/2015/07/2015-m-awards-favorite-coach/feed/02015 M Awards: Favorite Athletehttp://memphisport.com/2015/07/2015-m-awards-favorite-athlete/
http://memphisport.com/2015/07/2015-m-awards-favorite-athlete/#commentsFri, 17 Jul 2015 21:08:11 +0000http://memphisport.com/?p=32937Marc Gasol had a season for the ages this past year. He became the first Memphis Grizzlies player ever to not only start a NBA All-Star Game, but he was also the first Grizz player ever to make First Team All NBA. Now he is taken home the M Award for Favorite Athlete. It is a good thing Memphians will get to enjoy their favorite Gasol for another five years.

]]>http://memphisport.com/2015/07/2015-m-awards-favorite-athlete/feed/02015 M Awards: Best Local Sports Twitterhttp://memphisport.com/2015/07/2015-m-awards-best-local-sports-twitter/
http://memphisport.com/2015/07/2015-m-awards-best-local-sports-twitter/#commentsFri, 17 Jul 2015 16:19:40 +0000http://memphisport.com/?p=32909There is a lot to like about Tony Allen. He is the heart of the Memphis Grizzlies, plays tenacious defense, and has the best Twitter account in the Mid-South. If you need proof of this fact, you need to check this article out. Justin Timberlake came in a close second thanks in large part to #WigSnatch.

DALLAS — Following the Pinkprint Tour concert featuring renowned recording artist Nicki Minaj here Friday night, Dez Bryant is scheduled to host what many have dubbed, “The Official After Party.”

Given the latest developments that have transpired in this city over the past 24 hours, it’s safe to assume that hundreds of local sports fans will undoubtedly have every reason to crash Bryant’s late night gala.

Bryant, the Dallas Cowboys’ prized All-Pro receiver who seemingly had been in a tug-of-war, show-me-the-money slugfest with his employers for some time, on Wednesday reached an agreement with the team on a five-year, $70-million deal.

The deal includes $45 million of guaranteed money accompanied by a $20 million signing bonus.

DEDICATED DEZ — Dez Bryant’s contract signing, which occurred less than an hour before Wednesday’s franchise tag deadline, served as a colossal makeover for a city whose sports landscape was in dire need of some favorable news, especially considering Dallas emerged as the laughing stock of indignity and discourtesy and stigma just eight days prior. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Such news not only will ensure that Bryant won’t be forced to miss any regular season games amid a threatened holdout via Twitter, but his new deal all but guarantees he will join the rest of his Cowboy teammates when the team heads west to Oxnard, California in late July for their month-long training camp.

Most importantly, Bryant’s contract signing, which occurred less than an hour before Wednesday’s franchise tag deadline, served as a colossal makeover for a city whose sports landscape was in dire need of some favorable news, especially considering Dallas emerged as the laughing stock of indignity and discourtesy and stigma just eight days prior.

After a tumultuous NBA offseason that saw Dallas Mavericks leading scorer Monta Ellis bolt the organization and ink a four-year, $44 million deal with Indiana, and starting center Tyson Chandler accept the Phoenix Suns’ lucrative four-year, $52 million offer, the team unfortunately wound up on the wrong end of arguably the strangest free agency transaction in league history.

That’s when DeAndre Jordan, just five days after verbally agreeing to vacate the Los Angeles Clippers and return home to Texas to sign with Dallas, stood the Mavs up like an unattractive blind date by having second thoughts and electing to re-sign with the Clippers.

What was even more embarrassing for the Mavericks — and the city of Dallas — is that a number of Clippers personnel flew to Houston for a meeting with Jordan to convince him to back out of his deal with the team, all while Mavs owner Mark Cuban was left landloping around town attempting to track down Jordan, all while a plethora of his calls and text messages to the star center were screened in the process.

By the time the clock had struck 12:01 a.m. EST on July 9, the Mavs pursuit of winning the DeAndre Jordan sweepstakes was all but a distant memory.

Jordan, as childish and deplorable and preposterous his actions were with regards to how he had gone about handling business with the Mavs, had made up his mind to return to the Clippers, a team that, upon his re-signing, emerged as a legitimate contender to dethrone the Golden State Warriors.

As for the Mavericks, well, as a consolation prize amid the Jordan fiasco was their ability to lure a struggling, inefficient Deron Williams back to his native hometown to join a team that, given the massive potholes in its starting rotation and bench, could very well wind up on the outside of the playoff picture looking in next season.

Still, despite what has become a rocky offseason for the Mavs, credit Bryant for bringing some renewed enthusiasm, not to mention some much-needed sanguineness and exuberance back to Dallas and its countless die-hard sports fanatics.

YES…NO — DeAndre Jordan, just five days after verbally agreeing to vacate the Los Angeles Clippers and return home to Texas to sign with Dallas, stood the Mavs up like an unattractive blind date by having second thoughts and electing to re-sign with the Clippers. (Photo by Cliff Murphy/Getty Images)

The Cowboys, coming off of a memorable campaign that ended with a 12-4 regular season finish, coupled with an exceptional postseason display that ended with Bryant’s controversial catch-no catch play in the waning moments at Green Bay in the divisional round, have locked up their best offensive playmaker for the next five years.

News that came to fruition after Big D was left holding its collective breath days leading to the NFL’s franchise tag deadline.

News that provided this city’s sports landscape with a much-needed makeover after what was a drama-filled offseason for Mavs.

News that’s almost certain to prompt Dallas sports fans to crash Bryant’s official after party Friday night.

The best party in Dallas hosted by the guy who’s responsible for invoking life back into this tradition-rich sports town.

Andre Johnson is a senior writer for MemphiSport. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send an email to andre@memphisport.net. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

]]>http://memphisport.com/2015/07/dez-bryants-new-deal-gives-much-needed-makeover-to-dallas-sports-landscape/feed/12015 M Awards: Best Dressedhttp://memphisport.com/2015/07/2015-m-awards-best-dressed/
http://memphisport.com/2015/07/2015-m-awards-best-dressed/#commentsThu, 16 Jul 2015 18:08:34 +0000http://memphisport.com/?p=32928Seeing Marc Gasol in a Grizz jersey makes every Grizzlies fan happy. There was a brief period of time when we did not know if Marc would return Memphis. The good thing is Marc will remain in the Bluff City for at least another five year’s.

Marc Gasol in a Grizzlies jersey, First Place: 29.1%Mike Conley in his mask, Second Place: 24.6%Tony Allen in his robe, Third Place: 23.5%